Â
‘Abou Ben Adhem‘ is a poem by Leigh Hunt. Â
The poem which I like the most. This poem has influenced me a lot since childhood.
 It is a short, fable-like poem that suggests that people can best express love for God by simply loving their fellow human beings. Â
Compassion and Empathy are presented as the true principles of religion. Â
The poem is written as a conversation between an angel and Abou Ben Adhem. Â
Ben Adhem encounters an angel, who is writing a record of those who love God. Learning his name isn’t on this list, Ben Adhem instructs the angel to mark him down as one who loves his “fellow men.” Â
The next night, the angel returns with a second list: those who are blessed by God. Ben Adhem’s name is at the top this time, suggesting that God favors those who love their fellow human beings. Â
The essence of the poem is that anyone who claims to love God, without loving their fellow human beings, doesn’t really love God at all. Â
Lets read the poem once again, Â
Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase!)Â
Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace, Â
And saw, within the moonlight in his room, Â
Making it rich, and like a lily in bloom, Â
An angel writing in a book of gold: Â
Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold, Â
And to the presence in the room he said, Â
“What writest thou?”—
The vision raised its head, Â
And with a look made of all sweet accord, Â
Answered, “The names of those who love the Lord.” Â
And is mine one?” said Abou. “Nay, not so,” Â
Replied the angel. Abou spoke more low, Â
But cheerly still; and said, “I pray thee, then, Â
Write me as one that loves his fellow men.” Â
The angel wrote, and vanished.
The next night  It came again with a great wakening light, Â
And showed the names whom love of God had blest,Â
And lo! Ben Adhem’s name led all the rest.Â
This poem will never lose its relevance as it has clearly stated a Universal Truth that everyone should adhere to.
- Remya PrinceÂ
Comments